Fullerton council meeting gets heated

At a City Council meeting Tuesday, Fullerton resident Erin Lewis shows her anger for the way the mayor has handled the death of Kelly Thomas. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Fullerton residents line up in a packed City Council chambers for an opportunity to speak before the council Tuesday. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

A member of Kelly's Army yells her support for comments by Fullerton residents during the public comments period Tuesday during a city council meeting. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Mayor F. Richard Jones, left, listens to public comments along with fellow council member Pat McKinley during Tuesday's city council meeting. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Christine Walker, a Fullerton resident and a member of Kelly's Army, calls for the resignation of Fullerton Mayor F. Richard Thomas and two other council members during Tuesday's council meeting. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Ron Thomas, father of Kelly Thomas, gets a hug from a supporter during a city council meeting Tuesday where members of the community were given a chance to speak. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

A masked group of four people showed up at Tuesday's Fullerton City Council chambers to protest during the public comments period of the meeting. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Rev. Wiley Drake of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park speaks during Tuesday's session of the Fullerton City Council. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Susan Brodbeck, a supporter of the effort to recall Fullerton's Mayor and two other city council members, arrives for Tuesday's city council meeting. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 10

Before Tuesday's city council meeting, volunteer Mark Powell helps spread the word and gathers signatures for the effort to recall three Fullerton City Council members. PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

FULLERTON – The tone of comments from the audience during Tuesday's City Council meeting was perhaps the most spirited to date since the death of Kelly Thomas.

On the eve of the announcement by the District Attorney's Office on whether charges will be filed against police officers involved in July's fatal altercation with Thomas, audience members attacked three councilmen for what they called a lack of leadership since the incident.

In the midst of a barrage of insults about 1 ½ hours into the meeting, aimed mostly at Mayor F. Richard Jones and fellow council members Pat McKinley and Don Bankhead, the meeting was halted for 15 minutes as Jones and Bankhead walked off the dais and left the chamber.

"It's only because, as leaders, I haven't heard from you," Thomas said from the podium. "You will be remembered by your actions, so you better do something."

But since the council may have to ultimately decide whether the officers remain on the force, speaking publicly before the District Attorney's Office hands down a decision would be inappropriate, McKinley said.

"Once the D.A. makes his findings, then you can start the administrative investigation," McKinley said. "We just can't say anything since the D.A. has to be the final decision."

Said Councilwoman Sharon Quirk-Silva: "I just don't know how we are going to recover from this until we have some action."

Capt. Kevin Hamilton, the acting police chief, outlined a five-step training program aimed at improving interaction between officers and the homeless.

Non-sworn personnel who deal with the public would also be required to participate, Hamilton said.

Sworn officers would be required to receive ongoing training on the proper use of force and Tasers.

The council voted to move forward with plans to form a task force on homelessness and mental health.

The task force would consist of mental health professionals, religious and other nonprofit groups, and business leaders.

Among the projects would by a survey of mental heath services at the city level, hosting public forums and identifying steps the city could take to improve on existing services.

Specifics, including cost to operate the task force, weren't discussed.

Related Links

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.